Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that he expected a “difficult winter” in his country during a meeting in kyiv with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“A difficult winter awaits us. But we are glad that we will not face it alone. We will do it with our partners,” Zelensky told Blinken, thanking the United States for its help to Ukraine, mentioning in particular the energy sector, which was targeted by systematic attacks. by Russia during the cold season last year.
The head of Washington’s diplomacy arrived in Kiev today for a surprise visit and has already held several meetings, including with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, and with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
The objective, he said, is to “show support for Ukraine in the face of aggression” by Russia, at a time when Ukrainian forces have been carrying out a counteroffensive for three months to recover the occupied territory, marked by slow progress, despite the military support. of the Western allies, against the strong defensive lines of the Moscow troops, especially on the southern front.
“We see very clearly the significant progress that is currently being made in the counter-offensive and that is very, very encouraging,” Blinken said during a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, insisting on a message he had already left at the meeting with his Ukrainian minister. his counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba.
Before the start of Blinken’s visit to Kiev, a senior State Department official told reporters that during the trip, the United States should announce more than $1 billion (931 million euros, at current exchange rates). in new funds to support Ukraine.
Source: TSF
